Rosewater & Soda Bread by Marsha Mehran (3)

Mehran's second novel (after Pomegranate Soup) resumes the story of three Iranian sisters making their lives anew in smalltown Ireland. Beautiful and creative Marjan Aminpour cares for her younger sisters, Bahar and Layla; together the three run Babylon Cafe, and few locals can resist its charms or the amiability of its proprietresses. Although Marjan rules the roost, her sisters have secrets of their own, and their growing independence forces Marjan to allow them their freedom and confront her own needs—especially after she meets handsome Julian Winthrop Muir. As Marjan gives her sisters more space, the suspicious and xenophobic local busybody Dervla Quigley remains determined to uncover whatever foul play the foreign women have up their sleeves. And when Marjan's friend Estelle reveals that she has rescued and helped a drowning girl, Marjan becomes involved in a secret that soon has Dervla plotting their downfall. Gourmands will savor the foodie passages (recipes, of course, are included), while the sisters' exploits will win over readers into lighter fare about making a new home and growing up.

Ok this is a gorgeous cover that just says .... PICK ME UP AND READ ME .... this is a nice wee read ... And even thought I had not read the first novel of Pomegranate Soup this novel stands alone ...

The novel is set in Ireland and is based around the life's of 3 sisters ... Who are from Iran ... It is a very easy book to read and flows quite well ... There are a few Laugh Out Loud moments with the character of Dervla who always sits peeking behind her bedroom curtains ... That's what you get when you life in a small town where everyone knows everyone and also knows everything about your business .. For example who you talked to, what you had for dinner and of course who you dated ...

I prob would have rated this book more but felt that alot of the story lines where not finished and left you hanging for what happened ... There was no real tie up's with this book so did make me wonder if there will be a another novel to follow on ...

It is a sweet book about sisterly love and friendship and how we need not judge one another ... I would recommend a read even though I only give it 3 stars it is a nice wee read ...

Plus got the extra bonus of recipes at the back of the book that where used in the Sisters Shop ... Very cute idea .... And the recipes are Yummy too ....

I rate this book 3 ***